Defence: Italy-Malta 'Canale 12' exercises ready to begin

Starting on June 18 in Sicily with 5+5 countries

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 15 - Joint Italian-Maltese air and
naval 'Canale 12' exercises will take place in the airspace and
waters in front of Augusta Bay in Sicily from Monday until
Friday June 22. Their purpose," it was explained at defence
headquarters, is to "foster cooperation, security and stability
in the Mediterranean area", particularly regarding the region
involving the countries part of the 5+5 initiative.
The exercises, which take place each year and which will be
happening for the 18th time, were planned, organised and
coordinated by the Italian Armed Forces and also involve naval
units and aircrafts from other Mediterranean countries. This
year in order to "strengthen dialogue and cooperation between
the north and south shores of the Mediterranean" countries from
the 5+5 Initiative were invited. Algeria, France, Libya, Morocco
and Tunisia accepted the invitation to participate with
aircrafts and naval units and with staff personnel.

Defence officials underlined that "Canale 12 is held as an
Italian-Maltese bilateral international exercise centred on
joint operations with a strategic and operational focus.
Training activities will be focussed on developing capabilities
and flexibility in the broadest cooperative and integrative
actions regarding rescue operations at sea, Maritime Law
Enforcement and safety in the Mediterranean Sea". (ANSAmed).